Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Monday, 6^th December 2021 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The following Councillors declared interests as indicated:

a) Cllr Burton – Agenda Item 10 (SEND Review) – Non-pecuniary interest: Teacher at a school outside the Borough;

(b) Cllr Gilbert – Agenda Items 8 (Draft HRA and Rent Setting) and Agenda Item 9 (Draft Prioritising Resources 2022/23 to 2026/27) – non-pecuniary interest: Employee of business near the High Street and GMB union member;

(c) Cllr Jones – Agenda Item 9 (Draft Prioritising Resources 2022/23 to 2026/27 – Non-pecuniary interest: Son works for C2C; Agenda Item 11 (Ten Year Contract – Southend Care Limited) – Non-pecuniary interest: Friends work for Southend Care Ltd; Agenda Item 13 (DfT Active Travel Fund Tranche 2 Grant Award) – non-pecuniary interest: Son works in the passenger transport team; Agenda Item 22 (SO46 Report) – Non-pecuniary interest: one of her sons works for SECTA and youngest son works for passenger transport team;

(d) Cllr Mulroney – Agenda Item 9 (Draft Prioritising Resources 2022/23 to 2026/27) – Non-pecuniary interest: Member of Leigh Town Council and Council appointee to Southend Tourism Partnership; Agenda Item 14 (Conservation Area Appraisals) – non-pecuniary interest; Member of Leigh Society and Chair of Trustees of Leigh Heritage Centre; Agenda Item 15 (20 MPH Neighbourhoods) – Disqualifying non-pecuniary interest: resident in one of the proposed roads/areas of the scheme (withdrew);

(e) Cllr Nevin – Agenda Item 11 (Ten Year Contract – Southend Care Limited) – Non-pecuniary interest: Essex County Council mentioned and ex mother-in-law receiving care outside this area; Employed at external National Health Service Trust and family members employed at Mid and South Essex Trust hospitals;

(f) Cllr Terry – Agenda Item 20 (20 MPH Neighbourhoods) – Non-pecuniary interest: Member of Burges Estate Residents Association; and

(g) Cllr Woodley – Agenda Item 20 (20 MPH Neighbourhoods) – Non-pecuniary interest: Thorpe Ward Councillor and Chair of Residents Association.

There were no apologies for absence at this meeting.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) presenting the proposed school term and holiday dates for the academic year 2022/23.

Resolved:-

That the school term and holiday dates for 2023/2024, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved for community schools and as a guide to all schools in the Borough.

Reason for Decision:

To approve the school term dates.

Other Options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Burton

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) presenting the updated statements of purpose for the Fostering and Adoption Service.

Resolved:

That the Fostering Service statement of purpose and Adoption Service statement of purpose, set out at Appendices 1 and 2 of the submitted report, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

To approve the Fostering Service and Adoption Service statements of purpose.

Other options:

None.  It is a statutory requirement to approve the statements of purpose.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Burton

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children & Public Health) concerning the school admission arrangements for community schools in the Borough.

Resolved:

1. That the Cabinet determines (i.e formally agrees) the Admission Arrangements for Community Schools as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

2. That it be noted that the Determined Coordinated Admission Scheme for the academic year 2023/24 was published on 31 December 2021.

Reasons for decision:

The determination of admission arrangements for community schools and the provision of a coordinated scheme is a statutory requirement.

Other options:

None.

Note: this is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Burton

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) presenting the draft General Fund Revenue Budget for 2022/23.

Resolved:

1. That it be noted that the final version of the updated Financial Sustainability Strategy 2022-2032 will be available for consideration in February 2022 (Appendix 1 to the submitted report).

2. That it be noted that a Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2022/23 – 2026/27 will be available for consideration in February 2022 and the draft Medium Term Financial Forecast and estimated Earmarked Reserves Balances up to 2026/27 (Annexes 1 and 2 to Appendix 2 to the submitted report), be endorsed.

3. That the draft Section 151 Officer’s statement on the robustness of the proposed budget, the adequacy of the Council’s reserves and the Council’s Reserves Strategy (Appendix 3 to the report), be noted.

4. That the appropriation of the sums to earmarked reserves totalling £2.675M (Appendix 4 to the report), be endorsed.

5. That the appropriation of the sums from earmarked reserves totalling £4.494M, which includes £2.500M that was previously approved to support the budget in 2021/22 and is now requested to be used to support the estimated budget gap for 2022/23 instead. (Appendix 4 to the report), be endorsed.

6. That a General Fund Budget Requirement for 2022/23 of £140.288M and Council Tax Requirement of £91.844M (Appendix 5) and any required commencement of consultation, statutory or otherwise, be endorsed.

7. That it be noted that the 2022/23 revenue budget has been prepared on the basis of using £1.5 million from accumulated Collection Fund surpluses for the core budget to allow for a smoothing of the budget gap across the next four financial years.

8. That a Council Tax increase of 3.99% for the Southend-on-Sea element of the Council Tax for 2022/23, being 1.99% for general use and 2.0% for Adult Social Care, be endorsed.

9. That it be noted that the position of the Council’s preceptors is to be determined:

·       Essex Police – no indication of Council Tax position

·       Essex Fire & Rescue Services – no indication of Council Tax position

·       Leigh-on-Sea Town Council – proposed Band D precept increase of 0.53%;

10. That no Special Expenses be charged other than the Leigh-on-Sea Town Council precept for 2022/23, be endorsed.

11. That the proposed General Fund revenue budget investment of £13.672M (Appendix 6 to the report), be endorsed.

12. That the proposed General Fund revenue budget savings and income generation initiatives for 2022/23 of £5.087M (Appendix 7 to the report), be endorsed.

13. That the proposed future outline Budget Transformation Programme 2023/24 – 2026/27 (Appendix 8 to the report), be noted.

14. That the proposed range of fees and charges for 2022/23 (Appendix 9 to the report), be endorsed.

15. That the Dedicated Schools Grant budget and its relevant distribution as recommended by the Education Board (Appendix 10 to the report), be endorsed.

16. That the Capital Investment Strategy for 2022/23 to 2026/27 (Appendix 11 to the report) and the Capital Investment Policy (Annex 1 to Appendix 11 to the report), be endorsed.

17. That the new schemes and additions to the Capital Investment Programme for the period 2022/23 to 2026/27 totalling £12.6M for the General Fund (Appendix 12 to the report) and new schemes subject to viable business cases totalling £33.9M (£15.5M for the General Fund and £18.4M for the Housing Revenue Account) (Appendix 12 to the report), be endorsed.

18. That the proposed changes to the current Capital Investment Programme that were considered for approval as part of the Resourcing Better Outcomes – Financial Performance Report – Period 8 (Appendix 13 to the report), be noted.

19. That the proposed Capital Investment Programme for 2022/23 to 2026/27 of £119.8M to be delivered by the Council and £51.3M to be delivered by Subsidiary Companies, Partners and Joint Ventures (Appendix 14 to the report) of which £51.1M is supported by external funding, be endorsed.

20. That the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy for 2022/23 (Appendix 15 to the report) and the prudential indicators (Appendix 16 to the report), be endorsed.

21. That the operational boundary and authorised limits for borrowing for 2022/23 are set at £385M and £395M respectively (Appendix 16 to the report), be endorsed.

Reason for Decision

To comply with statutory requirements and the relevant Local Authority codes of practice. Also, to ensure the budgets align to and enable the delivery of the Council’s ambition and desired outcomes or to enhance the Council’s infrastructure.

Other Options

Billing authorities are required by law to complete and approve their budget and set a council tax before 11 March immediately prior to the start of the financial year on 1 April.

Note: This is an Executive Function save that approval of the final budget following Cabinet on 15^th February 2020 is a Council Function

Referred direct to all three scrutiny committees

Cabinet Members: Cllr Gilbert and Cllr Collins

The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning Working Party held on 6 January 2022 concerning the Notices of Motion referred to the Working Party by Council.

Resolved:

That the recommendations of the Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning Working Party concerning the Notices of Motion set out below, be approved:

a) Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill

1. That the Notice of Motion be noted and that the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill be formally and publicly supported and that officers inform the local media of this decision, in conjunction with the decision to join UK100.

2. That officers liaise with Southend’s key stakeholders requesting their public support for the CEE Bill.

3. That officers write to the CEE Bill Alliance to formally confirm that the Council fully supports the Bill.

b) Going Green

That the Notice of Motion be noted and the creation of a Southend Going Green Grant Scheme to enable the Council to work with local organisations on local green initiatives and the allocation of £85,000 to the scheme, be approved in principle, subject to a further report to be considered by the Working Party setting out the final scope, application criteria and resources.

c) Personal Water Craft / Jet Ski’s

1. That the Notice of Motion, be noted.

2. That officers write to Hywel Williams MP for Arfon and the two local MPS (Southend West and Rochford and Southend East) setting out the Council’s support for the proposed parliamentary bill calling for greater controls of Personal Water Craft.

3. That, in the event that the current Bill is not being pursued, the local MPs be requested to promote such legislation in consultation with other coastal MPs.

d) Use of Glyphosate in Parks and Open Spaces

1.That the Notice of Motion be noted.

2. That it be noted that alternative methods for the control of unwanted vegetation were being investigated by officers and that further recommendations will be presented once the proposals were fully developed.  Any changes will need to be considered as part of future budget setting.

e) Net Zero and UK100

1. That the Notice of Motion be noted.

2. That the Council joins UK100 and reaffirms its pledge towards Net Zero emissions by 2030.  The link to the UK100 website to be provided to all Councillors.

f) Bee Bus Stops and Green Roofs

1. That the Notice of Motion be noted.

2. That it be noted that a further report will be presented to the Working Party covering the wider aspects of the proposals set out in the Notice of Motion.

Reasons for decision:

To respond to the Notices of Motion.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

Resolved:

That the submitted report be noted.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee / Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee as appropriate

Cabinet Member: As appropriate to the item

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 18^th October 2021, be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 2^nd November 2021 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) and Executive Director (Housing & Growth) setting out the Housing Revenue (HRA) budget for 2022/23, together with the information necessary to set a balanced budget as required by legislation.

Resolved:

1. That an average rent increase of 4.10% on all tenancies, be endorsed.

2. That an average rent increase of 4.10% on shared ownership properties, be endorsed.

3. That an increase of 4.10% for garage rents to £12.70 per week for tenants and £15.24 for non-tenants (being £12.70 plus VAT), a rise consistent with the proposal for the main rent increase (all variants on a standard garage will receive a proportionate increase), be endorsed.

4. That the South Essex Homes core management fee at £6,648,000 for 2022/23, be endorsed.

5. That South Essex Homes proposals for average increases of 10.88% in service charges, be endorsed.

6, That South Essex Homes proposals for an average 16.95% reduction in heating charges for sheltered housing tenants and an average 4.42% increase in heating charges for hostel tenants to reflect the actual costs incurred, be endorsed.

7. That the following appropriations be endorsed:

·       £60,000 to the Repairs Contract Pensions Reserve; 

·       £2,978,000 to the Capital Investment Reserve and

·       £8,309,000 from the Capital Investment Reserve

8. That subject to resolutions 1 to 7 above, the HRA budget for 2022/23, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

9. That the value of the Council’s capital allowance for 2022/23 be declared as £76,915,000, as determined in accordance with regulation 16 of the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (England) Regulations.

Reasons for Decision

Part of the process of maintaining a balanced budget for the HRA is to undertake an annual rent review and assessment of other service and facilities charges. Full Council will need to approve the HRA budget and any changes to rent and other services prior to the start of the financial year.

Other Options

There are other options available to Councillors in relation to the proposed rent and other services and facilities increases.

Note: This is an Executive Function save that approval of the final budget following Cabinet on 15^th February 2022 is a Council Function

Referred direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Members: Cllr Gilbert and Cllr Jones

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) concerning the calculation of the Council Tax Base for 2022/23 and the submission of the National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR1) form to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) by 31st January 2022.

Members of the Cabinet received a copy of Appendix C (NNDR Form).

Resolved:

In respect ofthe CouncilTaxBase;

InaccordancewiththeLocalAuthorities(Calculationof Council TaxBase) Regulations 1992(as amendedbytheLocalAuthorities (Calculationof CouncilTax Base)(Amendment)(England)Regulations 2003)andLocalGovernmentFinanceAct2012(Calculationof billing authority’s council taxbaseSection 15):

1. The amount calculated by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council as its Council Tax Base for the year 2022/23 shall be 59,086.74.

2. The amount calculated by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council as the Council Tax Base in respect of Leigh-on-Sea Town Council for the year 2022/23 shall be 8,890.46.

In respect ofthe National Non-DomesticRates Base (NNDR1Form);

3. That the NNDR1 form for 2022/23 at Appendix C to the report, circulated at the meeting, be approved for submission to MHCLG.

Reason for Decision

The setting of the Council Tax Base and National Domestic Rating Base enables the calculation of the core funding derived through local taxation that is used to finance the Council’s proposed budget for 2022/23.

Other Options

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for Call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adult and Communities) presenting the Street Prostitution Strategy and Charter of Agreement for consideration.

1. That the Street Prostitution Strategy and the Charter of Agreement, set out at Appendices 1 and 2 to the submitted report, be approved.

2. That the work undertaken in the Strategy and through the Charter of Agreement be overseen by the Violence and Vulnerability Board.

Reasons for decision:

To adopt the Street Prostitution Strategy and Charter of Agreement to support this socially excluded and vulnerable group and to ensure that the Strategy has overall Senior Leadership support via the Violence and Vulnerability Board.

Other options:

Not to adopt the Street Prostitution Strategy and Charter of Agreement in its present form and work continues with the current outreach service and drop-in provision currently being provided by the Voluntary Sector partners to support this vulnerable group.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Jones

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Finance and Resources) providing an update on the current position of outstanding debt to the Council, as at 30^th November 2021.

Resolved:

1. That the current outstanding debt position as at 30 November 2021 and the position of debts written off to 30 November 2021, as set out in Appendices A and B to the submitted report, be noted.

2. That the two write offs for debts that exceed £25,000, as set out in Appendix B to the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:

All reasonable steps to recover the debt have been taken, and therefore where write off is recommended it is the only course of action that is left available.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Growth and Housing) presenting the annual performance report for Southend Adult Community College (“the College”) and an update on the progress made aligning the College with the Council’s governance, accountability and Southend 2050 Ambition outcome delivery.

Resolved:

That the annual performance report for Southend Adult Community College 2020/21, set out in Appendix A to the submitted report, be noted.

Reasons for decision:

To note the College’s annual performance report reflecting the changed governance arrangements now in place.  It is important that the positive contributions of the College to the skills, employment and well-being of residents is presented as part of the Council’s economic recovery and community resilience activity.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) setting out the proposed ten-year contract with Southend Care Limited to deliver adult care.

Resolved:

That the Council enter into a 10-year agreement with Southend Care Limited, as set out in the submitted report.

Reasons for decision:

The services provided (support at home, daytime support, residential care and provider of last resort support) are necessary for the residents of Southend.  The partnership with Southend Care Limited and the development plans in place offer substantial value to the Council and to the residents of Southend.

Other options:

To bring the services back into direct local authority control or offering the services to the private, independent and voluntary sector market.  Both options are not recommended.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Nevin

Resolved:

That, under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the item of business set out below on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

The Cabinet Committee received the Minutes of its meeting held on Monday 13^th September 2021.  It had been explained at that meeting that there had been no objections to the proposals in Green Lane and accordingly this had been agreed to be implemented as advertised although this was not reflected in the Minutes under resolution 4(i).

Resolved:-

That, subject to the inclusion of the following under resolution 4(i) of Minute 323, the Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 13^th September 2021 be received, confirmed as a correct record and signed:

Green Lane – no waiting at any time on both sides on bend outside No. 2.

The Cabinet Committee received an oral report of the Head of Traffic and Highways that presented the new procedures following the constitutional change and amendments to delegations to officers approved by Council at its meeting on 9^th September 2021 (Minute 309 refers).

Resolved:-

That the report be noted.

Reasons for Decision

As set in the submitted report

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report

Note: This is an Executive function

Eligible for call-in to Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Councillor Woodley

The Cabinet Committee received a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) concerning a petition containing 26 signatures requesting the Council to not use tarmacadam when undertaking highways improvement resurfacing work in Esplanade Gardens.  The petition had been referred to the Cabinet Committee for consideration by Council at its meeting held on Thursday 25^th November 2021 (Minute 468 refers).

In response to questions regarding the conflicting information received in respect of the implementation of the new resurfacing policy in Chalkwell Avenue, Acacia Drive and Thorpedene Gardens, Council’s Head of Traffic & Highways undertook to investigate the matter and respond to the respective ward councillors directly.

The Head of Traffic & Highways also gave assurances to respond to the issues highlighted by Councillors relating to the re-instatement works being undertaken by City Fibre.

Having considered the views of the Traffic Regulations Working Party, it was:-

Resolved:-

1.  That the footway resurfacing programme continue to be implemented in accordance with the current resurfacing policy.

2. That the petition be noted but that the request that footway resurfacing in Esplanade Gardens in concrete slabs be refused.

3. That the lead petitioner be informed of the Councils decision.

Reasons for Decision

As set in the submitted report

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report

Note: This is an Executive function

Eligible for call-in to Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Councillor Woodley

Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 21^st September 2021 be received, confirmed as a correct record and signed.

There were no apologies for absence.

The Cabinet Committee considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) that provided background information of the draft traffic regulation order in Thorpe Bay Gardens. The matter had been referred back by the Place Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 4^th October 2021 (Minutes 364 and 477 of Council refer) for reconsideration by the Traffic Regulations Working Party and Cabinet Committee.

Having considered the views of the Traffic Regulations Working Party, it was:

Resolved:-

That a full report be prepared setting out a detailed evaluation of all the evidence and relevant facts, including the details and extent of any alleged anti-social behaviour, in relation to the issues relating to draft traffic regulation order in Thorpe Bay Gardens and/or possible inclusion in the review of the existing PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order), for consideration by the Traffic Regulation Working Party and Cabinet Committee at a future meeting, the content and details of which to be agreed by the Cabinet Member for Transport, Asset Management and Inward Investment.

Reasons for decision

As set out in the submitted report

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report

Note: This is an Executive function

Not eligible for call-in as the matter has already been subject to the call-in procedure

Cabinet Member: Councillor Woodley

The Cabinet Committee considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) that provided background information of the draft traffic regulation order for part-time waiting restrictions in Crosby Road. The matter had been referred back by the Place Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 4th October 2021 (Minutes 364 and 477 of Council refer) for reconsideration by the Traffic Regulations Working Party and Cabinet Committee.

In response to a request for the costs incurred in respect of the Crosby Road scheme, the Head of Traffic & Highways undertook to email the details to the Ward Councillors and the Traffic Regulations Working Party.

Having considered the views of the Traffic Regulations Working Party, it was:

Resolved:-

1. That the current proposed draft traffic regulation order for the introduction of part-time waiting restrictions in Crosby Road not be progressed.

2. That the Head of Traffic & Highways be authorised to undertake the necessary surveys and research of the issues occurring in Crosby Road, including during the summer months, the timing of which surveys to be agreed in consultation with the relevant Ward Councillors, and prepare any necessary and appropriate proposals/scheme designed to combat/address them and carry out community consultation to establish the level of support, subject to appropriate funding being made available for the scheme.

Reasons for Decision

As set out in the submitted report

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report

Note: This is an Executive function

Not eligible for call-in as the matter has already been subject to the call-in procedure

Cabinet Member: Councillor Woodley

The following interests were declared at the meeting:-

(i) Councillor Collins – Agenda Item No. 3 (Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 13^th September 2021) – Non-pecuniary interest: Lives in Green Lane which was mentioned in the debate; and

(ii) Councillor Buck – Agenda Item No. 5 (Petition Report – Esplanade Gardens proposal to replace Paving Slabs with Tarmacadam) – Non-pecuniary interest: Contractor at the former Havens Hospice site, which was mentioned in the debate, is a contractor of his.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) seeking approval for the adoption of 20MPH Neighbourhoods pilot scheme in the following locations:

·       Leigh West and Leigh Ward: Area bounded by Hadleigh Road, Rectory Grove, Lymington Avenue, London Road and Salisbury Road;

·       Thorpe Ward: (i) Area bounded by Thorpe Hall Avenue, Thorpe Bay Gardens, Maplin Way and Station Road; (ii) On Burges Road, Colbert Avenue and Wyatts Drive; (iii) On Shaftesbury Avenue, Kensington Avenue and Northumberland Crescent.

Resolved:

1. That the proposed scheme for each of the areas detailed above, be taken forward to construction.

2. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Asset Management and Inward Investment, to approve the advertisement of any necessary traffic regulation orders.

3. That the £500,000 grant funded expenditure to implement the 20MPH Neighbourhoods Scheme, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

To support the Council’s 2050 Shared ‘Safe and Well’ Ambition to ensure people in Southend-on-Sea feel safe in all aspects of their lives.

Other options:

Not to implement the 20MPH Neighbourhoods pilot scheme in the areas detailed above.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Woodley

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) concerning the schemes that had been awarded funding by the Department of Transport (DfT) following the Council’s Tranche 2 bid.  The consultation/survey results in relation to the schemes would be submitted to the DfT.

Resolved:

1. That the bid to the Department of Transport (DfT) on 20 November 2020 for Tranche 2 funding from the Active Travel Fund for the schemes for which funding in the sum of £741,000 was awarded, be endorsed.

2. That, following discussion at design review stage with the Transport, Capital and Inward Investment Working Party, authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Asset Management and Inward Investment, to agree the final detailed design options based upon the outline designs submitted to the DfT for Tranche 2 funding.

Reasons for decision:

To provide active travel improvements that further encourage increased walking and cycling activity in the Borough.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Woodley

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) presenting the findings and recommendations from the Local Government Association (LGA) Independent Peer Review Report into the SEND and Children with Disability (CWD) services and set out the proposed actions to be taken by the local authority to drive the necessary changes in order to improve services to residents and families.

Resolved:

1. That the Local Government Association Independent Peer Review Report, be noted.

2. That the recommendations made by the LGA Peer Review Team, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be accepted.

3. That the Implementation Plan in response to the recommendations in the LGA Peer Review, as set out at Appendix two to the report, be approved.

4. That the matter be referred to the People Scrutiny Committee for consideration.

Reasons for decision:

To consider the findings from the Independent Review and endorse the proposed actions in response to the recommendations from the LGA Peer Review Report.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Burton

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Growth and Housing) presenting the Conservation Area Appraisals for Clifftown, Leigh, Leigh Cliff, Milton, The Leas and Shoebury Garrison, following a recent period of public consultation.

Resolved:

That the Conservation Area Appraisal documents, set out at Appendices 1 to 6 of the submitted report, for Clifftown, Leigh, Leigh Cliff, Milton, The Leas and Shoebury Garrison, be adopted.

Reason for decision:

Six Conservation Areas have been appraised as part of this work and the Conservation Area Appraisals produced for them provide up to date evidence on each Conservation Area and any issues affecting them.  They also provide a new management plan to help guide appropriate and sympathetic change within the area and highlight opportunities to enhance the character and appearance of these important heritage areas.

Other options:

Not to adopt the Conservation Area Appraisals for Clifftown, Leigh, Leigh Cliff, Milton, The Leas and Shoebury Garrison. However, this would mean that each of these Conservation Areas does not have an up-to-date Appraisal and Management Plan in place.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) requesting confirmation of the in-year arrangements for the operation of the Council’s leisure centres and set out the proposed steps in respect of the centres beyond April 2022.

Resolved:

1. That the ongoing waiver of Fusion’s management fee until 31 March 2022, be approved.

2. That the remaining three year’s management fee be repaid by Fusion over a reprofiled duration meeting the Council’s financial expectations from the contract.

3. That it be noted that the Council’s officers will continue to manage the existing contract performance of Fusion.

4. That Fusion’s current proposals regarding the extension of the contract beyond 2025 be rejected and market testing take place.

5. That it be noted that a further report will be provided during 2022/23 to consider the long-term future and options for leisure services.

Reasons for decision:

To address the immediate position with respect to the leisure contract.

Other options:

The Council could consider alternative operators and Trusts.  These are not recommended in the short term due to the additional financial risk to the Council of an early termination.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) reviewing the Council’s financial performance.

Recommended:

Reasons for Decision

The regular reporting of Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring information provides detailed financial information to Councillors, senior officers and other interested parties on the financial performance of the Council. It also informs decision making to ensure that the Council’s priorities are delivered within the approved budget provision.

Other Options

The Council could choose to monitor its budgetary performance against an alternative timeframe but it is considered that the current reporting schedule provides the appropriate balance to allow strategic oversight of the budget by Councillors and to also formally manage the Council’s exposure to financial risk.

Note: This is a Council Function

Eligible for call-in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Members: Cllrs Gilbert and Collins